Final report from Kalpa Kharicha and colleagues
Today, the Unit publishes the report, Meaningful volunteer involvement in adult social care (ASC): Perspectives from diverse ASC providers, key informants, and evaluation of the NHS and Care Volunteer Responders scheme, lead-authored by Dr Kalpa Kharicha.
This research evaluated volunteer involvement in diverse adult social care (ASC) settings and within the NHS and Care Volunteer Responders (NHSCVR) scheme, to understand what constitutes meaningful volunteer engagement in ASC. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, including a scoping review, mix-methods evaluation of the NHSCVR, and qualitative interviews with ASC staff, service users, and volunteers across diverse settings.
Key findings revealed the breadth of volunteer involvement in care homes and day centres and positive impact on volunteers, staff, and service users. Most volunteers were motivated by altruism, personal interests, or existing relationships. Volunteering for employment related experience was only relevant for some ASC service users/volunteers with learning disabilities. Meanwhile, homecare providers were very wary of volunteer involvement in private homes and called for formal guidance to minimise risks and uphold safeguarding requirements.
The task-based, micro-volunteering model in the NHSCVR contrasted with the diverse and relationship-focused nature of volunteering in ASC, which may highlight one reason for the perceived lack of success of the scheme.
Greater promotion of volunteering opportunities and benefits in ASC (similar to health) has the potential to increase volunteer capacity, whilst avoiding framing volunteering as a path to employment, which may undermine professional care roles. Designated paid volunteer co-ordinator roles are essential to support meaningful volunteer involvement. Volunteering involves costs, and further research is needed on the costs/benefits of volunteering across the diverse ASC sector.
This publication
Kharicha, K., Leverton, M., Owen, J., Norrie, C., Burch, T., & Hickman, B. (2025) Meaningful volunteer involvement in adult social care (ASC): Perspectives from diverse ASC providers, key informants, and evaluation of the NHS and Care Volunteer Responders scheme, London: NIHR Policy Research Unit in Health and Social Care Workforce, The Policy Institute, King's College London.
